| ![Show Contents]() Birchs History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of BirchsWhat does the name Birchs mean? The name Birchs is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in an area close to a birch tree which is derived from the Old English word Birce, which literally means birch. The family gave their name to the village of Birch in Lancashire. Early Origins of the Birchs familyThe surname Birchs was first found in Lancashire at Birch, a district chapelry, in the parish of Manchester, union of Chorlton, hundred of Salford. "The chapel, dedicated to St. James, is supposed to have been originally built by a member of the family of Birch. Birch Hall, a seat of the Haverseges, passed from them to the Birches; and it is conjectured that the plans laid by James, Earl of Derby, for seizing Manchester for Charles I., were disconcerted by the councils of Col. Birch (1615-1691) and his compeers, held here." 1 "In the reign of Edward II. the manor [of Birches in Cheshire] passed with the heiress of Nicholas de Birches, by marriage, to the Winningtons." 1 Early History of the Birchs familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birchs research. Another 46 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1615, 1645, 1652, 1660, 1691 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Birchs History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Birchs Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Birchs has been spelled many different ways, including Birch, Birche, Burch, Berch and others. Early Notables of the Birchs familyJohn Birch, Bishop of Hereford; and Colonel John Birch (1615-1691), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Leominster (1645-1660), who fought for the Parliamentary cause in the English civil war. He "belonged to a younger branch of the Birches of Birch, and was...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Birchs Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Birchs family to IrelandSome of the Birchs family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Birchs familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Birchss to arrive in North America: John Birch who settled in Dorchester Massachusetts in 1630; Mary Birch who settled in Maryland in 1739; Thomas Birch settled in New England in 1654.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Prudentia simplicitate
Motto Translation: Simply prudent.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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